United States Dressage Federation (USDF) Secretary, Janine Malone, was awarded the Sallie Busch Wheeler Trophy for Distinguished Service at the 2007 United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Pegasus Awards Banquet, held during this month's USEF Annual Meeting in Louisville, KY. The winner of this award is chosen solely by USEF President David O'Connor to recognize distinguished service to the equine industry.

The annual Pegasus Awards Banquet is a gathering of the equestrian world's brightest stars and this year included Janine Malone.  USEF President, David O'Connor stated, "Janine is the epitome of a person who gives everything back to the sport.  She exemplifies who a volunteer is by way of all her work with the USEF, USDF and as a show manager.  It is because of people like Janine that this sport is able to happen." 
"Janine has served the United States Equestrian Federation very well for more than a decade by working tirelessly behind the scenes on issues affecting dressage," adds Dr. Sam Barish, USDF president.  "She has led the development and evolution of the Federation's rules for licensed-dressage competitions to ensure a level playing field for all competitors, protect the welfare of the horse, and improve the quality of competitions."

"Janine is widely known as the expert on dressage rules," Dr. Barish continued.  "She has also played a leading role in coordinating efforts between the Federation and USDF, which has served to advance the sport in the U.S.  Her extremely high standards and attention to detail have had a very positive impact on dressage.  Her recent appointment to the Federation's Executive Committee has demonstrated the respect that Janine commands among leaders of equestrian sport."  

Janine has had a lifelong involvement with horses across a broad spectrum, including a graduate "A" Pony Clubber, a competitor through the Prix St. Georges level, an instructor/trainer, and as show manager for CDI Raleigh for 14 years.  In addition to her personal equestrian interests, Janine has served as USDF Secretary since 2003, was the USDF Region 1 Director from 1996-2001, and is a USEF "R" Dressage judge, an "r" Dressage Sport Horse Breeding judge, an "R" Dressage Technical Delegate and an FEI Chief Steward for Dressage. 

Janine has also driven committee work and programs within USDF by serving on the Regional Championships, Sport Horse, Intercollegiate/Interscholastic, Adult Clinics, and FEI Managers committees.  Janine also serves on the USEF Board of Directors and the USEF Dressage, Continuing Education, Competition Management, ParaEquestrian, and Planning Committees.

Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage Federation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage. For more information about USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf.org, email [email protected], or call (859) 971-2277.